About the Learning Hub
The McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging Learning Hub supports trainees and researchers who are engaged with or interested in patient-oriented or partnered research. As an Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit (OSSU) network research centre, the McMaster Collaborative for Health and Aging developed this hub to guide researchers in conducting equity, diversity, and inclusion-conscious research and knowledge translation done in partnership with individuals with lived experiences.
Developed by trainees for trainees, this dynamic resource is regularly updated to provide you with the latest resources to support you throughout your research journey.
In addition to materials developed by the Collaborative, you will also find helpful resources from Collaborative partners and research establishments, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Health Quality Ontario, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Public and Patient Engagement Collaborative. These curated resources are helpful when conducting research with individuals with lived experiences during the four phases of the research process, found below.
Information Box Group
Values and Objectives Learn More
Assessing and developing project values and objectives for patient-oriented research and engagement
Design Learn More
Designing patient-oriented research and engagement activities using equity, diversity, and inclusion principles
Study and Project Operations Learn More
Conducting study and/or project operations in collaboration with those with lived experiences
Evaluation and Reporting Learn More
Evaluating and reporting on patient-oriented research and engagement projects
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
In an effort to address health inequities, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are the foundation of this Hub. The Hub incorporates resources that will help develop research projects that consider and promote EDI. As defined by Canada Research Coordinating Committee in “Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design”, EDI stands for:
- Equity: the removal of systemic barriers and biases enabling all individuals to have equal opportunity to access and benefit from the program.
- Diversity: a state or condition reflecting differences and layers within the community.
- Inclusion: the practice of ensuring that all individuals are valued and respected for their contributions and are equally supported.
Considerations of EDI should be a consistent thread throughout the engagement process and the interpretation and enactment of the principles below.
Guiding Principles
The principles used to develop this Hub, and which the Hub aims to promote in research, have been adapted by the Collaborative as a part of the Partnering principles and strategies: A guidance document.
The purpose of the roles/opportunities for older adults, caregivers, and public research partners are clearly communicated.
Information is shared in a context of trust where older adult, caregiver, and public research partners feel comfortable sharing their views openly and honestly.
Older adult, caregiver, and public research partners are empowered to openly express their opinions, perspectives, and concerns.
Researchers are honest about their apprehensions, resource limitations, and knowledge gaps when it comes to engaging with older adults, caregivers, and public research partners.
Researchers demonstrate respect for their older adult, caregiver, and public research partners by actively showing signs of appreciation for their time, ideas, lived experiences, various world views and cultural locations.
Researchers act upon the voices of patients, caregivers, and the public in ways that demonstrate the positive impacts of this input.
Definitions
It is important to use inclusive language to promote a collaborative and objective-oriented environment. As a result, we have outlined commonly used terms defined by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Refers to “individuals with personal experience of a health issue and informal caregivers, including family and friends”. We prefer using “individuals with lived experiences”, rather than “patient” as we recognize that lived experiences which can benefit aging research are not limited to patients.
Additional terms include “community member” and “citizen”.
Refers to “a process of summarizing, distributing, sharing, and applying the knowledge developed by researchers to improve the health of Canadians, and strengthen the health care system through the use of more effective health services, products, and standards of practice.”
Additional terms include “knowledge mobilization”.
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